There are those who think that just because they own a short haired dog, like a Beagle for example, that they don’t need to be groomed. This is not true.

Dogs are like humans in the sense that they feel happier when they are groomed. In addition, keeping your pet clean and groomed, is better for its health.

Think about your own pet as you read the following questions from pet owners. You may have experienced the same problems.

Q. What is the proper way to brush your dog? I have been holding my dog and brushing him everyday to no avail. I just can’t seem to get the tangles out. What should I do?

A. The first thing you need to do is get the dog onto a grooming table. You will not be able to efficiently brush out any tangles while he is thrashing around on your lap. Make him stand up on a table while you brush him. Never allow him to lie down.

Q. My poodles face is covered with warts or some type of growth, what should I do?

A. You need to have a vet look at your dog, only he can decide what is best for your dog. I am a groomer, and I know that it is very hard not to touch a growth with grooming shears or to avoid not scratching one with a brush. If your dog has developed these problems please inform your groomer prior to his grooming the pet.

Q. I have a small dog, when I try to brush him, he bites at me. I have to get his tangles out, what am I to do?

A. Well, it depends. If you are pulling on his tangles, than it is a normal reaction. The only way to avoid that, is get rid of his tangles. If he just isn’t comfortable with being handled, only regular handling will solve that. You can always tie a nylon stocking around his snout if he simply won’t cooperate.

Q. I picked my dog up at the groomer and they informed me he had worms? How would they draw this conclusion?

A. I don’t want to say that the proof is in the pudding, but it will show up in the dogs stool. They could have easily seen some worms there.

Q. When I go into a pet store to find a dog brush, I see way too many to choose from. Which one should I use?

That really depends. Different brushes are designed for different dogs. It must also be taken into consideration if your dog is a show dog or your house pet. If it is a house pet, you simply need a brush designed for his type of hair. You want to be able to do the job quickly without to much aggravation for you, or your dog.

On the other hand, if you have a show dog, you would be better off to consult the people who show your breed and get their opinion, it is to vital not to break any hair when brushing a show dog.

In reference to your dog brush problem, I think for a house pet, the slicker brush is your best choice, especially if it is a short haired dog. If you have a really short haired dog than I believe a bristle brush is best. Regardless, no brush is of value, unless it is used on a consistent basis.

Q. I have a shaggy haired dog. What I don’t have is the money to get his hair cut. I could just use a pair of scissors right?

A. Well, obviously, we never advise pet owners to take this upon themselves. However, if the matt or tangle appears to be at the end of the hair, you can cut it. The problem has always been that when they are too close to the skin the pet owner ends up injuring his pet because he cannot judge it correctly.

My advice, let the groomer do his job, and you and your dog will the happier for it.

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